What Are the Symptoms of Swine Influenza Virus in Pigs?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus that primarily affects pigs. The disease is rarely spread to humans but, according to the CDC, pigs can catch both human and avian strains of influenza. There are several different strains of swine flu, as of 2009, H1N1 was the most commonly isolated strain.

    Two Swine Flus

    • The swine strain of the H1N1 flu is not the same as the human strain of the H1N1 virus. Although human and pig viruses are not the same, both species experience similar symptoms, per the CDC.

    Upper Respiratory Symptoms

    • Swine flu symptoms in pigs include sudden onset of fever, sneezing and a barking cough. The animal may also exhibit discharge from the nose or eyes, and breathing problems.

    Behavioral Symptoms

    • Pigs with swine flu often exhibit depression as well as loss of appetite. The animal may also show loss of energy or fatigue.

    When to Look For Symptoms

    • As with human strains, outbreaks of swine flu usually occur in late fall and winter. You may also notice an outbreak of symptoms after introducing a new animal to the herd.

    Severity of Symptoms

    • Swine flu is highly contagious amongst pigs but the CDC states that, while illness rates are high, death rates are low.